R Madhavan had opened up about the real reason behind relocating to Dubai, revealing that the move was driven by his son Vedant’s swimming career during the Covid-19 pandemic. The actor had also spoken about life in the UAE, why he believed there were “three Dubais,” his enduring connection with India, and even his upcoming South Indian filter coffee venture.
Vedant’s swimming career brought the family to Dubai
In an interview with Mashable Middle East last year, Madhavan said the family’s move was primarily to ensure that his son Vedant could continue training when swimming pools across India were shut during the pandemic.“You’ve hit the nail on the head,” he said when asked if Vedant’s career was the reason behind the relocation.He explained, “Vedant was training in India before Covid, but once the pandemic hit, all the swimming pools were closed. I had read years ago that children between the ages of nine and fifteen go through a major growth spurt, and that’s the period when they need proper exercise and nutrition.“Unfortunately, Vedant’s growth spurt happened during Covid.“We tried everything, but eventually my wife Sarita said, ‘The pools in Dubai are open.’ She packed her bags and left with Vedant in August 2020. I joined them later after settling things in India. Vedant trained extremely hard here, and that’s when he started winning medals for India. We’ve now been here for four years, and I’m extremely grateful.”
‘Dubai was one of the most extraordinary cities in the world’
Speaking about what he enjoyed most about the city, Madhavan praised Dubai’s infrastructure but said its long-term vision impressed him the most.“Dubai is probably one of the most extraordinary cities in the world. Everyone notices the safety, quality of life, food and infrastructure. The roads are spotless. Every plant is cared for.“But what impresses me the most is the vision behind the city. I’ve been shooting here for nearly 25 years. I’ve seen Dubai transform. The vision of one man and what has been achieved over the last quarter century gives you confidence that if you have vision and passion, nothing is impossible.”He also noted how rapidly the city continued to evolve.“Sometimes it feels like Google Maps has to update every week because a new road has appeared.”
Madhavan’s ‘three Dubais’
Madhavan offered what he called his “three Dubais” perspective while describing the city.According to him, the first was the Dubai most tourists experienced — malls, shopping, attractions like the Museum of the Future and sightseeing.“The second Dubai is where expatriates actually live. Nearly 90% of the UAE’s population consists of expats. This is where your children go to school with classmates from Palestine, Germany, France, Pakistan and dozens of other countries. They grow up learning about different cultures.”He added that this version of Dubai revolved around activities such as paddle, sailing, biking, golf and community life.“The third Dubai belongs to the Emirati locals. They’re close-knit, proud of their culture and quietly run this country with incredible dignity.”
‘You’re first an Indian’
Despite enjoying life in Dubai, Madhavan stressed that India remained at the centre of his personal and professional identity.“India has a uniqueness that’s impossible to replicate. There’s a certain excitement about being Indian—our society, our culture, Ganpati celebrations, children playing cricket in the building, neighbours sharing food… those are things you can never replace.“But we’re fortunate to enjoy this second life in Dubai as well. In my case, and I think in yours too, it works because most of my work is still back home in India. I spend 10 to 15 days there regularly, so I keep getting that Indian connection.”He further added, “No matter where you live—Dubai or anywhere else in the world—you’re first an Indian. That’s something to be proud of.“Indians are respected globally because we contribute positively wherever we go. At the same time, I often wonder: if Indians can maintain this level of discipline in Dubai, why can’t we do the same back home? Why do we break traffic lanes there?”
‘All my work was still in India’
Although based in Dubai, Madhavan said India continued to be his professional base.“All my work is still in India. All my taxes are paid in India. Around 90 percent of everything I do is back home.”He revealed that he spent almost half the year shooting across the country.“If you add it all up, I spend around five to five-and-a-half months every year shooting films in India. As an NRI, you have to be mindful of the number of days you stay, but yes, that’s roughly the amount.”He also credited his upbringing as the son of an Indian Army officer for helping him adapt to different parts of the country.“You know, my father served in the Indian Army. He was posted in Chennai at the Officers Training Academy and later in Wellington at the Defence Services Staff College. So, as an army officer’s son, you naturally pick up different cultures and languages.”
Learning a new skill every year
Madhavan also spoke about earning a captain’s licence in Dubai, saying he deliberately learnt a new skill every year.“I have a small family boat. But every year, I try to learn one completely new skill. During Covid, that skill was earning my captain’s licence and learning how to navigate a boat.“I had absolutely no maritime experience. I just studied for about two weeks, cleared the exams, completed the practical training and earned the licence.”He said curiosity had played a major role in his life.“The biggest lesson I’ve learnt in life is that you have to keep researching and learning. It doesn’t always feel like studying. If you’re genuinely curious about something, you’ll naturally spend time researching it without even realising it.”
South Indian filter coffee venture and fasting lifestyle
Apart from films, Madhavan revealed that he was preparing to launch a South Indian filter coffee brand.“I’ve searched all over Dubai but still haven’t found authentic South Indian filter coffee made the traditional way—with proper decoction and the right preparation. I’m hoping to bring the perfect blend here.”He confirmed that the product was ready and nearing launch.Talking about fitness, the actor said he preferred walking, golf and mindful eating over complicated routines.“I no longer eat simply because it’s time to eat. I eat only when I’m hungry. Sometimes that means fasting for 16 or even 18 hours.“I’ve spent years researching how human beings lived as hunter-gatherers and how fasting helps regeneration. Constant eating is actually a very recent habit in human history.”He added that his eating habits were based on years of research into nutrition and fasting.“I’ve discussed my research with some of the world’s leading medical experts. Nobody has been able to prove me wrong yet. They’re not necessarily saying I’m completely right, but they haven’t been able to dismiss the science either.”
